David Archuleta, David Cook

Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press

David and David American Idol proved its star-making power yet again in 2008 with the creation of at least two new stars: Idol runner-up David Archuleta and Idol winner David Cook. With his boyish good looks, goofy demeanor and angelic voice, David Archuleta  dubbed The Chosen One by my colleague Richard Rushfield  seemed groomed from birth to compete on Idol. David Cook, by contrast, was not a front-runner when the season began but rose in Americas esteem through a mix of old-school rocker-angst and innovation. Both Davids debut albums have sold impressively.

David and David American Idol proved its star-making power yet again in 2008 with the creation of at least two new stars: Idol runner-up David Archuleta and Idol winner David Cook. With his boyish good looks, goofy demeanor and angelic voice, David Archuleta  dubbed The Chosen One by my colleague Richard Rushfield  seemed groomed from birth to compete on Idol. David Cook, by contrast, was not a front-runner when the season began but rose in Americas esteem through a mix of old-school rocker-angst and innovation. Both Davids debut albums have sold impressively.